That metal piece makes sure the air flows through the heater core at an
angle so that it has time for the heat to transfer. It is needed. For
what it is worth, the front heater heats outside air. The heater is
actually more effective at lower fan speeds. Note that even the legend
on the fan switch indicates that max defrost uses fan speed 2. More air
will be cooler air.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
Of Kevin Dawson
Sent: Saturday, December 06, 2003 11:25 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Front Heater question

Hi All,
I've taken my front heater box apart to clean and oil the blower motor
bushings on my 87' camper.  I was surprised to find a piece of sheet
metal that VW
installed right along side of the heater core, blocking at least 80% of
the air
flow/heat.  Why did VW do this?  Was this installed in all vans?  Did VW
omitt this in vans sold in colder markets?  The Bentley manual 80.12
shows that an
earlier model van had a vent that diverted heat to the rear passenger
area
via a passage under the floor.  Did that set up have greater air flow
/heat
requirements where VW would have omitted  this sheet metal piece?  Was
that set up
instead of the rear heater box?  If so, did it supply enough heat for
mild
weather area?  I've removed my leaking rear heater so I could have more
storage.
 I would like to retrofit this under floor vent to provide heat for rear
passengers.  Is it worth the effort?  Would I need to remove the sheet
metal from
the front heater box to make it work?

Thanks,
Kevin Dawson